Newspapers / The Charlotte Labor Journal … / Aug. 5, 1937, edition 1 / Page 1
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The ONLY REALLY INDEPENDENT WEEKLY in Mecklenburg County. For a Weekly. Its Readers Represent the LARGEST BUYING POWER in Charlotte Official Or can Central Labor Union; standing for the A. F. of L. Che Charlotte labor Journal Patronize oar Adver tisers. They make YOU* paper possible by their co operation. Iruthftl, Honest, Impartial Endorsed by the N. C. State Federa tion of Labor AND DIXIE FARM NEWS Endeavoring to Serve the Masses Vol. VII.—No. 13 roua ABvnmennT in Tni journal is a' INVESTMENT CHARLOTTE, N. C-, THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 1937 journal AdvertiDeserve consideration os TN« N&AOER $2.00 Per Year 9 Has CIO Disintegration Set In? WILL LEWIS PICK F.D.R.’s SUCCESSOR? IS HE BUILDING POLITICAL MACHINE IN NON-PARTISAN LABOR LEAGUE? (A special A.P. story by Joseph L. Miller, will prove interesting to many of our readers, and is published without comment:—Ed.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 1,—John L. Lewis has set out to build a political machine which associates say he hopes will make him the dominating factor in the choice of the next President of the United States. They said Lewis was highly disappointed with President Roosevelt for refusing to step into the recent steel strike and was determined to play so large a part in the 1940 election that his candidate, if elected, would be obligated to support him at every turn. Some of them said his political influence might develop to such pro portions before the beginning of the next campaign that he might decide to run for President. They added, however, that Lewis’ determination to build up the C. I. O. and its political power campletely overshadowed any personal ambition. Lewis now counts nine States as spheres of dominating C. I. 0. political influence. These are New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Wisconsin. In 11 others he figures the C. I. O. vote would have considerable weight. These are Minnesota, Virginia, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Oregon, Washington, California, Maryland, New Jersey and Alabama. In seven others, he thinks the C. I. O. could make itself felt in an elec tion. These are Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico and Utah. As his first step in building a political machine, Lewis took over Labor’s Non-Partisan league for the C. 1. O. He accomplished this by obtaining the resignation of Senator Berry, Democrat, Tennessee, from the presidency, clearing up the league’s financial obligations and drastically revamping the headquarters personnel. Lewis decided to make no effort to purge the league’s local divisions of American Federation of Labor members. But he wanted no A. F. of L. influence at the top. Berry is president of the Printing Pressmen’s union, still loyal to the A. F. of L. C. I. O. FINANCING FIGHT He also decided that the C. I. 0., rather than the United Mine Workers | and the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, should finance the league in the t development he plans for it. The miners and the clothing workers have i paid most of the league’s bills so far. This move followed two other developments that Lewis’ associates con- | sider politically significant. The first was the chartering of the State, County and Municipal Employes of America and the United Federal Work ers of America by the C. I. O. Lewis is known to feel that government employes often are political leaders of high or low degree and that their membership in C. I. O. unions would tend to lead many times their number to the C. I. O. in a political scrap. The second development was the affiliation of the agricultural and cannery workers with the C. I. O. Lewis hopes to enroll hundreds of thou sands of farm hands into this union and thus build up C. I. O. political strength in the farm belt—along with improving the farm hands’ eco nomic lot. NO THIRD PARTY These associates said Lewis definitely doesn’t want to start a third party in 1940, but that he expects an attractive offer from the Republicans in the way of a labor platform. They added that he expects this offer from the Democrats to bring him into the Democratic camp at election time. But he is making no commitments now. He feels that much could happen to change the entire situation in three years. , , Before the New Deal, Lewis was a Republican. He campaigned for President Hoover’s re-election in 1932. President Roosevelt’s support in | NRA days, however, led him to switch parties. He announced as early as . Labor day, 1935, that the United Mine Workers, to a man, would support j Mr Roosevelt for re-election. The miners contributed heavily to the Demo-| cratic campaign fund. Lewis, Berry, and Sidney Hillman, president of the j Amalgamated Clothing Workers, organized Labors Non-Partisan league to put both C. I. O. and A. F. of L. unions “on the record for Roosevelt. ( Lewis made campaign speeches. He levied extra dues on the miners to, between Lewi, nnd .be Jre.iden.. nppe.red last winter during the General Motors strike Lewis publicly reminded Mr. Roosevelt that labor had supported him in the election and expected presi dential support in great economic battles. Mr. Roosevelt replied that there came times when statements were not in order. The President’s remark generally was construed as a “rebuke” although persons close to the white house said the President meant only to say that any statement might block the success of Federal mediation. . .. ♦ 'v Mr Roosevelt left Federal intrvention to Secretary Perkins. At one time [he PresWent said the general public thought “a plague for both your houses” after strike violence had broken out. “Thunder In The City” Charlotte Theatre Offering Watch Edward G. Robinson toting a machine gun across the screen while that well-known leer twists his face into something really frighten ing, and you never realise that you are observing one of Hollywood’s more cultured persons. But in pri vate life, Eddie is a man of the arts, a connoisseur of music, a collector of paintings and etchings, a linguist with six foreign languages at his command. , Robinson, who is currently starred in Columbia’s new Atlantic Film pro duction, “Thunder in the City, show ing Friday and Saturday at the Char lotte Theater, was born in Bucharest, Roumania, but was brought to this country bv his parents while still m his early childhood. After graduat ing from New York’s public schools, Eddie attended Colurtibia University, which he left with no less than a Master of Arts degree. Among Robinson’s earliest am bitions were those to become a min ister and a lawyer. Somehow, these fell aside, and Eddie took to ama teur theatricals and vaudeville. Breaking into the legitimate theater, Robinson soon was recognised as a topflight player. He appeared m ten productions for the Theater Guild. The Union Label is the greatest ASSURANCE of quality and the bast INSURANCE for Trade Unionism, ing conditions for every worker. Some Of The Men You Know In Labor [First 6f a Series of Sketches On Leaders In Labor In This Sec tion.] (By PEROXIDE) William S. Greene, the new secre tary-treasurer of Charlotte Central Labor Union, the secretary of the Musicians local, who also runs a {Tent’s furnishing establishment, and plays in different orchestras as a, side line, still has time to argue with you on any and all questions, and if you will only give him an inkling as to where you stand, he will be in position to give you a good argu-1 ment, even if he doesn’t believe in what he is arguing for or against. But, Bill Green is a hard worker, and if he likes you will go down the line with you, and he tries to like everyone. He took a dying local and built it into one of the largest in Charlotte, and then went out to in stall new locals and revamped old ones here and there. So here’s .to Brother Greene—may he live long and prosper. f Union workers wil' nrev-ti pen '"nion Label products they will have best sssurance >f prevai.ine The Union Label assure^ ji chaser that he is out tine hit- mone' into th.* best investment on earth Trade Unionism IS REVOLT OF CIO LEADERS AT HAND? SIX LEADERS ON VERGE DESERTING; PRES. HOWARD AMONG NUMBER NEW YORK, Aug. 1.—The New York Herald Tribune in. a special dispatch from its Washington bureau said last night that six influential leaders who collaborated with John L. Lewis in forming the Committee for Industrial Organization are on the verge of tacitly repudiating the Lewis labor policies. Those named by the newspaper as differing with Lewis on such C. I. O., strategems as the sit-down strike, in particular, are: Sidney Hillman, president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America. Charles P. Howard, president of the International Typographical union. Francis Gorman, head of the United Textile Workers. David Dubinsky, president of the International Ladies Garment Work ers' union. Harvey C. Fremming, president of the Oil Field, Gas Well, and Re finery Workers. ' Max Zaritsky, president of the cap and millinery department of the United Hatters, Cap„and Millinery Workers’ International union. Another reason for the reported disaffection, according to The Herald Tribune, was the “domineering attitude” toward the Roosevelt administra tion which the powerful C. I. O. sub-leaders see in the censure of the Presi dent voted recently by the Steel Workers organizing committee and the executive board of Lewis' United Mine Workers of America. The paper says: “Organizers in the field have reported to the union heads that since the widely publicized break between Mr. Lewis and the President, the organizing drive has been slowing up. It is no longer possible, the organ izers say, to lure recruits with assurance that The President wants you to join'.” PKHTIN S' vOWMINT M Timely Topic* CHATTING BY HARRY BOATE Continuing my story of last week. Leaving Washington late in the morning we found ourselves on the Washington-Baltimore boulevard, and in a short time we were in that great city, wandering about in the narrow, cobbled streets and observing how differently people must live in a great city as compared to the surroundings in the city of Charlotte and other i cities of the south which are younger and not so crowded. Leaving Balti- | more we arrived in Gettysburg, Pa., scene of fierce fighting during the days of the only great family quarrel the United States has ever ex perienced. First to attract our attention was the home of Jennie Wade, the only woman killed during that affair, and it was an accident. While j baking bread for the soldiers a stray bullet found its way through two | doors and struck the young lady, who never revived. Then a trip to the National Soldiers’ Cemetery and a journey over the battlefield adjoining, with its beautiful roads and monuments, and we were again on our way. Crossing the Susquehanna river and entering Harrisburg, Pa., just at the time of closing up for the day, we found congestion somewhat akin to that which is met in any busy city at the close of business. A trip over the business section, viewing the Capitol and other government buildings, and a view of the Governor’s mansion, and we were again in the wide open spaces. A few hours of driving past newly-cut wheat fields with their sweet scent, and we were in the small city of Huntingdon, where the night was comfortably passed. Driving over the city in the morning, niany changes for the better were noted and the city is much larger than in the years when we were more familiar with it. Crossing a mountain and driving through a pleasant valley, Williamsburg, Pa., loomed up. This town is the home of many men who went out and made fame for themselves and_ did honorable duty for their country. Among these may be named an aviator named Stultz,' who piloted the late-lamented Amelia Earhart on her first trip around the world. A short chat with a chum of boyhood days and the journey proceeded to Altoona, the place of my birth. Many changes both in the city and its inhabitants. . . ,_ ■ Once the home of grandparents and many aunts and uncles, only two were left, with the happy co-incident of meeting an aunt from Philadelphia who was visiting her brother at the time. Had not seen her for many years, and it was a real treat on both sides. The night was spent in Alt°Morning found us on our way west. Driving under the railroad at the famous Horseshoe Curve of the Pennsylvania railroad, we reaehed the top of the Alleghenies and descended to Johnstown, scene of the All seemed quiet, and an inquiry concerning the tto ££7 that all had returned to work. Leaving Johnstownbehmd in a few hmua we entered Pittsburgh, that city which seems to spread over Allegheny county. Finding the home of my sister on the hilltop $Lr unloaded baggage and proceeded to relax, but not for long. After a meal we boarded another machine and visited a brother a few mites' river, for a short chat. A night of rest and we were ready for *ny^ that may come, and much came. The only way to see Pittsbuigh quidr is to eo ud on one of the numerous hills, then stop and look. Particularly beautiful is the scene at night, when buildings are lighted and automobiles ^‘‘‘‘sunda^monihig found usf with other relatives, on our way to Wamm, Ohiof where about the largest gathering of the .Boatedan * verhdd^ok ££-3 S' roSeTmher. mattered from th.AU.Mfc to OoFMdmmh. present Sorry we could not meet them all. However, there were Cl1 in the group wh7 enjoyed the bountiful spread. Some of those pre^ntl had not seen for near 40 years. (Careful, or I will tell my age). And this was not a Catherine of has-beens. All active in daily life. Returning to Pittsburgh in the early evening, the next two days w®re nassed in tourine the city and surroundings, business and residential ais Wcte narks aid Ixfulevards. Also had a good view of one public swim minfr'pool design^* to accommodate more than 6,000 people at one time. Th"£u~1p”uw!”liJSS roli' w, headed routh t»w.,d Cum berland, Md., and on into Keyser, W. Va., thence to Winchester, Va., and Newmarket. Va., where a stop was made for the night and a visit to the Endless Caverns. Had hoped to see the end of that big hole in the ground, but it just was not there. However, it was wonderful, and the system of electric lights made it a delightful tnp. Nature has done some beautiful and wonderful work in that underground museum. A trip to a cave is the only way to explain it. Man can not do it with words. Morning and again on our way. Over the Natural Bridge and into Roanoke. Va.. where a call was made to see a cousin recently bereaved of her life’s companion. However, she bears up well and a pleasant conver sation took place. Sorry time forbids to longer stay. Out through the city, up over Stone Mountain, down into Winston-Salem, and again we are home, -.mce which hour our time has been occupied in endeavoring to unwind our head and make straight a tangled brain. Perhaps in a few weeks we will be back to normal and be able to understand what we are doing. ACTION ON WAGE AND HOUR BILL DELAYED - SAD) PRESIDENT IS AWAITING PROPOSED AMENDMENT WASHINGTON, Aug. 4—President Roosevelt took the posi tion yesterday that nothing should be done by Congress to fix minimum wages lower than the minimums now prevailing in va rious areas. This was his comment that he had asked House members to delay action on pending wage-hour legislation until certain amendments could be submitted. The amendments, which would di rect a proposed labor standards board to consider prevailing wages in fixing minimums, were offered by the American Federation of Labor. Mr. Roosevelt said he had not read the amendments himself, but favored their principles as outlined to him by'President William Green of the A. F. of L. Besides the prevailing wages pro vision, the amendments also would forbid the board to interfere with any collective bargaining agreement. They also would delete a section of the pending bill under which the operation of the Walsh-Healey act would be placed under the proposed new board. The Walsh-Healey act provides for the fixing of labor standards in plants doing work for the govern ment. Both Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Green opposed Riving the new board the task of administering this act. Earlier in the day puzzled mem bers of the House labor committee had shoved the wage-hour, legislation aside temporarily amid conflicting reports as to whether President Roosevelt, or Green, caused the delay. Green assumed the responsibility when he left the White House but Chairman Norton, Democrat of New Jersey, told newsmen the committee had postponed consideration of the legislation “at the request of Presi dent Roosevelt.’ Committeemen, some of whom pro fessed themselves “astunded,” said the meeting had been halted after Green had conferred privately with Mrs. Norton and she informed them the Chief Executive had requested delay until some amendments could be submitted. TYPOGRAPHICAL MEETING ONE OF MUCH INTEREST Charlotte Typographical Union, No. 338, held its regular monthly meet ing last Sunday afternoon with the usual large attendance that has pre vailed throughout the summer months, and the same degree of en thusiasm being evident. Three , new members were obligated and appli cations for membership received. Re port of the auditing committee show ed the finances in good shape under the watchful eye of Secretary-Treas urer Hugh M. Sykes. The president was instructed to ap point a scale committee to look over the situation and report its findings at the next meeting. The president, Henry Stalls, announced committees for the ensuing year, and asked for co-operation of each and every one, and judging by the amount of en thusiasm he is throwing into his work the end of our next official year will find the local Typographi cal unit in excellent shape. JOHNSTOWN MINERS VOTE TO END STRIKE JOHNSTOWN, Pa.,—Aug. 2. — j Striking miners voted yesterday to i return to work next week at the Bethlehem Steel corporation’s mines in Johnstown and Heilwood, Pa. > President James Mark of district No. | 2 of the United Mine Workers said I he advised the men to return to work. Three mines in Johnstown will open Monday, the company said, ending a strike called several weeks ago. VACATIONS WITH PAY GIVEN BY SOME MILLS _ i A number of cotton mills of the south are making what is being call ed the experiment of giving their em ployes a vacation of a week with .full pay. This should not be an experi ment. It shoult have long ago be come a fixed and inviolable rule in this industry. Vacations-with-pay are the rule and not the exception with business firms as well as with a large number of industrial organi zations. Such a similar practice might well be considered as far more than an experiment in cotton manu facturing. HOW IS IT DONE Acquaintance: “Did you ever run up against a mathematical problem that stumped you?” Famous Mathematician: “Yes, in deed, I could never figure out how, according to the advertisements, 85 per cent of the dentists recommended one brand of tooth paste, 92 per cent recommended another brand, and 95 per cent recommended still another brand.” WHAT THE WORKER PAYS By DR. CHARLES STELZLE Executive Director, Good Neighbor League It has been estimated that it costs the State and the community—plus the expense to the individuals’ fam ily—about $10,000 to raise and equip the average laborer for his life’s work. And so, when a man applies for a job, he is offering the em ployer a $10,000 “machine,” for which he pays nothing. Some employers may argue that they have helped the worker to secure an education and to otherwise equip himself as a worker through the taxes which they pay. But these items are more than balanced by what the state and the community have done for the employer through the privileges and protection which they give him in order to conduct his business, toward which, by the way, the worker himself has indi rectly contributed. As a matter of fact, the commun ity and the state have done so much for the average employer, that his business is actually a socialized en terprise, in which the government— local, state and national—has a con siderable stake, for without the sup port which the employer receives from the government, he simply could not exist. But to come back to the $10,000 worker who wants a job. Suppose a business were established in which $1,000,000 was invested in actual equipment, and for which 1,000 work ers are to be employed. These 1,000 workers would have an “equipment” value of $10,000,000—ten times as great as the amount spent for build ings and machinery. Have these workers no stake in the business? Have they any rights which should be considered? The fact that the personnel might change would not alter the situation, be cause at all times, under normal con ditions, the employer would have at his command the full time of a thou sand $10,000 workers—but with the privilege of discharging anyone of them if he should become worn out, who would then be replaced by a “brand new machine” for which the; employer pays nothing—which would 1 not be the case if the machine made of iron and steel were to be re placed. Under these circumstances it is absurd for the employer to say that he is absolutely independent of any “outside intereference,” and that he will conduct his business as he pleases, pay his workers what he pleases, and totally disregard any attempt to co-operate in bringing about fair and harmonious relation ships between the various interests involved in the conduct of his busi ness affairs. • ‘ subscribe for The Joiima (Brought out of the records and readopted December 9, 1936) NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS AND BUSINESS MEN A resolution adopted last year as to The Labor Journal and solicitation of funds in the name of Central Labor Un ion was brought out of the minutes and republished as in formation. The resolution reads as follows: “Resolved, That we publish in The Charlotte Labor Journal, that we do not condone any solicita tion of advertising cvcept for The Charlotte Labor Journal, purporting to represent labor, unless over the signature of the secretary of the Charlotte Cen tral Labor Union.
The Charlotte Labor Journal and Dixie Farm News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Aug. 5, 1937, edition 1
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